Project 3 – Exercise – Nigel Shafran

Go to the artist’s website and look at other images in Shafrans series.

You may have noticed that washing-up is the only piece of work in Part Three created by a man. It is also the only one with no human figures in it, although family members are referred to in the captions.

Did it surprise you that this was taken by a man?

No. I mean, sure, domestic chores such as doing the washing up are typically undertaken by women but I had no pre perceived opinion on the gender of the photographer beforehand.

In your opinion does gender contribute to the creation of an image?

I am torn with this one. As I woman I think we are known to have more sensitivity to a degree which can then be shown within an image. I think maybe genders have a different approach to taking images. Men may prefer to consider the technical side or see it as more of a priority.

What does this series achieve by not including people?

I think it allows the viewer to visualise the people involved with the washing up, be it a man or a woman. It adds intrigue to the viewer, making them look deeper into the images, seeing different elements in each one; such as flowers and we know someone drinks wine. It allows them to use their imagination and build up a story.

Do you regard them as interesting ‘still life’ compositions?

Yes. I really enjoy series that are raw, showing the real story and not worrying about people’s reaction. I admire photographers who do this as I hope one day I too will have the confidence to produce such work.